Jamaican Sworn In As Mayor Of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida

Jamaican national, Barrington A. Russell, Sr., was sworn in as Mayor of the City of Lauderdale Lakes, in a brief ceremony on Monday (Nov. 10) after a successful bid at the polls on Election Day, last Tuesday (Nov. 4).

Mayor Russell succeeds former Mayor Samuel Brown, also a Jamaican national who retired having served in that position since 1998. 

Prior to his successful bid at becoming the Mayor, Mr. Russell was one of six commissioners serving on the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission, a position he held since 2004.  He also served as Vice-Mayor from 2005 and 2006.

Since moving to South Florida, Mr. Russell, a real estate consultant and owner of BAR Realty in Broward County has been actively involved in community projects. He has held several public service positions and on various community boards.  He has also served on civic committees, such as school and church programs and community service organizations.

Mayor Russell has expressed his desire to continue serving the Lauderdale Lakes community, with a diverse population of nearly 40,000, a large number of whom are Jamaicans.

Before migrating to the United States in 1987, Mr. Russell served in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and in the insurance industry.

Mayor Russell is married with two children.

Another Jamaican national Dale Holness was also re-elected as Commissioner of Lauderhill, an adjoining suburb of Fort Lauderdale with a population of over 65,000, one-third of whom are Jamaicans. 

In his capacity of Commissioner, Mr. Holness spearheaded the twinning of Lauderhill and Falmouth, Trelawny in October 2006, as Sister Cities. 

He also holds membership in a number of charitable and professional organizations which impact the Caribbean community. 

This brings to total six Jamaicans serving in elected office in Florida State, including State Representative-elect, Ms. Hazelle Rogers recently elected to serve at State Level in the Florida House of Representatives.  Prior to her recent success, Ms. Rogers was one of six Commissioners in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, a post she held since being elected in 1996.